What defines Protected Health Information (PHI)?

Protected Health Information (PHI) is specifically defined as health information that can be linked to an individual and is held by a covered entity. The correct answer highlights that PHI includes any information related to an individual's medical record or payment history. This encompasses a wide array of information regarding an individual's health, treatment, or payment for health care that can identify them. Regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) ensure that this type of information is kept confidential and secure.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the definition of PHI. Personal identity information alone does not qualify as PHI unless it is related specifically to health information. Medical information that cannot be linked to an individual is not considered PHI, as the ability to identify an individual is a crucial aspect of what makes information protected. Lastly, general health statistics that do not pertain to any individual fall outside the scope of PHI since they do not involve personal health information tied to someone. Thus, the emphasis on the connection to a patient’s medical record or payment history solidifies why the correct choice is the most accurate definition of PHI.